There have been some dark times, admits Brentford star

Sam Saunders admits there were some dark times during his 10 months on the sidelines – but reckons he will come back a better player and person.

The Brentford midfield man made his comeback in last night's development squad game at Crystal Palace following a frustrating lay-off which saw him miss both the Bees' promotion run, and their fledgling first steps in the Championship.

Saunders was at the top of his game, having scored in four consecutive games and picked up the League One Player of the Month award, when he felt something wrong with his knee during a game against Port Vale last January.

He said: “Things were going really well and the gaffer was playing me more centrally, but football changes so quickly. I thought it was going to be a minor injury which would be solved with an injection, but five scans and a couple of operations later we were still wondering.

Bad timing: Saunders' injury struck just after he was voted League One Player of the Month

“My iliotibial band was going into my knee and inflaming it, caused by years of playing the way I do – the way I run and kick the ball. But on the bright side, the surgeon took a look at the whole knee and said my cartilage was in perfect condition for a 31 year old professional footballer.

“I've had a few lows. It's been a horrendous time for me, and it's nice to have a few things to smile about again. It's been devastating, but it made me stronger as a person and as a player and added fuel to my fire. You either let it take you and crumble, or you deal with it and use it as momentum.

“It was especially tough on match days. Fans kept asking me when I would be back, and I kept having to say I had no idea. I would get asked about 100 times each week, which I don't mind as I have a great relationship with them, but it was like a continuous blow having to give the same answer every Saturday.

“It was a relief to be back but I was slightly anxious. It's about getting a bit of confidence back, and getting through the first 45 was a box, but there are a few more boxes to tick before I can get back in there with the boys again. I'm not quite where I want to be yet.”